Membership into the President’s Circle at Naugatuck Valley Community College represents the highest honor a student may receive while matriculating at the College.

These students represent a select group of outstanding achievers who serve as the College’s student ambassadors. Circle Ambassadors have the opportunity to attend major college events with the President and/or her Cabinet, and lend voice to their experiences as NVCC students. Applications are now being accepted.

If you are ready to make a difference...

Circle ambassadors are given platforms to directly engage with community leaders, officials, alumni and friends of the College. You will have an opportunity to:

make connections

build networks

further your own pathway toward becoming an active citizen and leader.

Applicants who are selected by the president and accept membership into the President's Circle will receive recognition, a small scholarship and a letter of recommendation from President De Filippis upon successful completion of their 2-semester term and graduation from NVCC.

"One small step for man; one giant leap for mankind"

- Neil Armstrong

Applications are accepted in the spring for high-achieving students wishing to serve as ambassadors for Naugatuck Valley Community College.

On May 29, 2014 at its 49th commencement, Naugatuck Valley Community College celebrated, for the fifth year in a row, the largest graduating class in the history of the College at the Waterbury Palace Theater.

While total graduates and awards will continue to be calculated throughout the summer as students complete their coursework, there are 1,050 graduates thus far, including 200 students who received multiple degrees and certificates. Of these graduates, 186 graduated Cum Laude, 84 graduated Magna Cum Laude and 37 graduated Summa Cum Laude.

The total number of awards conferred at Commencement was 1,325, including 800 Associate in Science degrees, 80 Associate of Arts degrees and 445 certificates in various subjects and areas of specialization.

"It’s been a challenging year, but as you see before you, the rewards have far outweighed the challenges of managing difficult budgets," said NVCC President Daisy Cocco De Filippis to the packed theater. "Together, we have moved ahead in so many wonderful directions."

NVCC graduates hailed from 91 municipalities across Connecticut and 9 other states. The youngest graduate this year is 17, the oldest is 71 years of age. The largest field of study was General Studies, in which 250 associate degrees were awarded.

"We believe in opportunity, access, inclusiveness, academic excellence, and community engagement," said President De Filippis. "You are proof that NVCC is fulfilling its mission. We believe in our students and their futures. We believe in you – our graduates — and in your ability to make the future brighter for yourselves and for all of us as you follow your dreams."

Special speakers included U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal, The Honorable Neil M. O'Leary, Mayor of Waterbury; Professor Lucy Anne Hurston, commencement speaker; and President Gregory Gray and Chairman Nicholas Donofrio of the Connecticut Board of Regents for Higher Education.

See some of the highlights below or view all of our photos on Facebook.